Salem State University Admissions

Salem State University Admissions Overview:

In 2016, Salem State University accepted three-quarters of those who applied. Students with good grades and solid test scores (generally within or above the ranges listed below) have a good chance of being admitted. Along with an application, prospective students will need to submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. For more information about applying, and to schedule a visit to the campus, feel free to contact the admissions office at Salem State University. 

Admissions Data (2016):

• Salem State University Acceptance Rate: 74%
• Salem State has test-optional admissions
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 440 / 550
  • SAT Math: 450 / 540
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 19 / 25
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Salem State University Description:

Located 15 miles north of Boston in Salem, Massachusetts, Salem State University is a mid-sized public university offering bachelor, master, and certificate programs. The school sits on 115 acres divided among five campuses including a maritime facility in the town harbor. Salem State is a residential university, but over half of students commute. Salem State offers a wide range of majors in the liberal arts and sciences, but professional fields such as education, business, nursing, and criminal justice are most popular among undergraduates. The campus has been undergoing many expansions and upgrades in recent years including a new library, fitness center, and residence hall. Campus life is active with over 60 student clubs and organizations including Repertory Dance Theater, WMWM (the student radio station) and the Multicultural Student Association. Students can also participate in club sports such as rugby and ultimate frisbee, or intramural sports including flag football and dodgeball. On the intercollegiate front, the Salem State Vikings compete in the NCAA Division III Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). The university fields eight men's and nine women's sports.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 9,001 (7,346 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 38% Male / 62% Female
• 80% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $9,736 (in-state); $16,148 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,200 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $12,892
• Other Expenses: $1,654
• Total Cost: $25,482 (in-state); $31,894 (out-of-state)

Salem State University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 89%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 65%
  • Loans: 79%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $6,158
  • Loans: $7,695

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 79%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 28%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 52%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Soccer
• Women's Sports: Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Ice Hockey

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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